Types of weaning and simple steps to train your baby to stop breastfeeding

Weaning a child is one of the most difficult stages faced by mothers, as children differ in the way they accept weaning, and some are very reluctant to stop breastfeeding and reject a bottle or any other form of breastfeeding, as it can be an easy transition or a very stressful experience.

According to verywellfamily, there are types of weaning, which are:

1: Baby-led weaning: Sometimes a child stops breastfeeding on his own, yet young children rarely wean themselves. True self-weaning is usually gradual and occurs after the child reaches a year old.

2: Progressive weaning: Progressive weaning is a slow process of weaning that occurs over weeks, months or years.

3: Partial Weaning: Partial weaning is a great alternative if you cannot exclusively breastfeed but don't want to give up breastfeeding altogether.

4: Sudden weaning: Sudden weaning is the quick end to breastfeeding.

5: Temporary weaning: temporary weaning is to stop breastfeeding for a short period and then resume it. A mother may temporarily wean her baby if she has a health problem or needs surgery.

 Steps to wean the baby:

1: Take a step-by-step approach if possible.

2: Allow another caregiver to give your baby the bottle. The baby is likely to get the bottle from someone other than you.

3: Offer solid foods at 6 to 9 months, as some babies become more distracted and ready to wean.

4: Offer something comfortable (a soothing blanket or stuffed toy) to your baby during this transition period.

5: Spend some time rocking, hugging, and playing with your child to replace the special time you spend together.

6: Keep in mind that as a child gets older, weaning may become more difficult, and a young child may be more reluctant to give up breastfeeding.

7: Some of the methods of weaning are dropping the breastfeeding session every two to five days, or shortening the duration of each breastfeeding session, or increasing the time between breastfeeding sessions. Often times, afternoon meals are ideal for throwing out first. Babies are often active during this time and may not notice a drop in feeding.